News & Updates

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Emma Pierce, Communications Specialist at Evergreen Credit Union, was selected to represent Maine as part of the Filene Institute’s Crash the GAC (Governmental Affairs Conference) program. Pierce joined 54 other young professionals from across the country at the nation’s largest credit union conference in Washington, D.C., to network with industry leaders and develop her leadership skills. Only 1 to 2 individuals from each state are chosen to be “Crashers”. 

Pierce quickly connected with the Crashers and easily immersed herself in the experience. “The opportunity to spend time with current and future leaders who not only want to connect with other likeminded industry professionals but learn about the credit union movement at large is a rare opportunity,” shared Pierce about being selected to Crash the GAC in March 2025. “It feels like a ‘pinch-me’ moment to represent the state I love through my work with Evergreen Credit Union.” 

To be selected as a Crasher, interested young professionals need to submit backgrounds and include a 60-second video explaining why they should be selected to represent their credit union and state at the GAC. Typically, only senior-level employees attend the conference.

Since 2010, the Crash the Gac program has brought emerging credit union leaders to the next level in their careers. In addition to attending the GAC, the program aims to highlight the meaningful work credit unions are doing to improve the financial well-being of their members and communities.

“Crash the GAC is a brilliant program for upcoming leaders in the credit union industry. Not only do Crashers build their professional networks, but they also get to sit and learn alongside department heads and chief-level leaders from across the U.S.,” said Jason Lindstrom, President/CEO of Evergreen Credit Union. “Emma has proven through her dedication and hard work with Evergreen time and time again, and she’s more than ready to add to the bigger picture of the credit union movement.”